Re: Mother vent-dependent & I Feel Isolated
Cindysan13(AT)aol.com
Tue, 5 Aug 1997 15:57:08 -0400 (EDT)
Dear Chris, I am an Rn in Omaha that cares for clients on ventilators in
their homes. With good insurance, your mother could get about 16 hours a day
of home nursing care. Talk to the insurance about it. maybe they would pay
for 20-24 hours nursing . In order for home nursing to succeed, there must be
a person who can provide care to the client as a back-up, usually a family
member. Nurses sometimes get sick or do not show up!
The room where the client stays should be wheelchair accessible if you plan
to for her to get out of bed.
There are doctors who will make home visits for trach changes and routine
things. You can get x-rays and bloodwork drawn at home.
She can be tube fed at home, no problem. That isn't as big a deal as the
ventilator.
It is a lot of work for the back-up caregiver family member! i know lots of
people who have done it and they need major support, physically and
emotionally. Caring for some one this sick at home has been done since the
polio rocking bed days. it can be done, but it is more difficult than
everyone expects. Many caregivers find a pride and inner strength they never
knew they had before
As far as pulling the plug, that is your mother's decision as long as she
proves competent and if she isn't, then it is the family's decision. The
right to live must be preserved for those who choose it. that is the risk of
all this right to die controversey
The pendelum swings to far and wipes out the rights of the helpless.
The very process of moving her could be what kills her. she sounds like she
is in a very fragile state. I have seen it happen a lot. it sounds like her
will to live is very strong and that is a plus on her side.
i wish you and your family the best. E-mail me if you would like.
Cindysan13(AT)AOL.com